Mackay Chamber Music Festival

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Mackay Chamber Music Festival

The eighth Mackay Chamber Music Festival presents three days of concerts, masterclasses and events.

05/06/2026

🎻 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Benjamin Roskams

From Europe’s great orchestras to Mackay.

We’re excited to welcome Benjamin Roskams to MCMF 2026. Based in Germany, he has performed with leading ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic, appearing internationally as a concertmaster, leader, and chamber musician.

🔥 Versatile. Powerful. International class.
A musician bringing global experience straight to the MCMF stage.
🎟 Don’t miss it.

04/06/2026

Looking for something different to do in Mackay? ✨

Swap the usual dinner-and-drinks routine for something unforgettable.

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is more than a concert — it’s an experience.
Think incredible live music, an intimate atmosphere, world-class performers, pre-show drinks, and the kind of night that actually feels like an occasion.

The sort of experience you’d normally travel to Brisbane or Sydney for… except it’s happening right here in Mackay.

Perfect for:
🥂 Date night
🎉 A night out with friends
✨ Experience seekers
🎻 First-timers curious about live classical music

No classical music knowledge needed — just come and enjoy the atmosphere.
One weekend only. Limited seating available. Tickets available on our website.

03/06/2026

Hi, I'm Lauren.

I've been involved with the Mackay Chamber Music Festival since it's beginning.

Here are five things I've learnt about Chamber Music.

02/06/2026

🎶 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Ensemble Q Australia

We’re proud to welcome Ensemble Q Australia to MCMF 2026, joined in this special performance by acclaimed broadcaster, presenter and author Ed Le Brocq.

Hailed by Limelight as “Australia’s top echelon of musicians,” Ensemble Q has rapidly become one of the country’s leading chamber ensembles and a true ambassador for Queensland. Formed in 2017 and directed by Paul and Trish Dean, the group brings together some of Australia’s finest musicians in ever-evolving combinations—from duo to full chamber ensemble.

They have appeared at major festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Brisbane Festival, Queensland Music Festival, and internationally at George Town Festival (Penang). As Musica Viva National Touring Artists and Ensemble in Residence at the Queensland Conservatorium, their reach spans both national and international stages.

🔥 Bold. Versatile. World-class.
An ensemble that redefines what chamber music can be—flexible, powerful, and full of colour.

With upcoming appearances at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre, Ensemble Q arrives in Mackay as part of their 2026 national tour.

🎟 A rare chance to experience one of Australia’s most exciting ensembles up close - Saturday 18th July, 3pm. Get your tickets now!

01/06/2026

🎻 Applications Now Open – Masterclasses & Scholarship Opportunities 🎻

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proud to nurture the next generation of musicians through exceptional learning and performance opportunities.
Applications are now open for our 2026 Masterclasses and the Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship.

Work directly with some of Australia's leading musicians, receive expert mentorship, and gain invaluable performance experience in an inspiring festival environment.

The Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship recognises and supports outstanding young local pianists who demonstrate passion, dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning, passion and dedication. This scholarship honours Anne's enduring contribution to music and education in our region while helping talented young artists take the next step in their musical journey.

Whether you're seeking to refine your skills, perform for distinguished artists, or pursue scholarship support, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Festival Dates: 15 - 19July 2026
🎼 Masterclass Applications Now Open
🏆 Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Open
Find out more and apply at:
🌐 www.mackaycmf.com.au

29/05/2026

🎻 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: Glenn Christensen

We’re proud to present Glenn Christensen, Artistic Director of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival.

Born and raised in Mackay, Queensland, Glenn’s journey from regional beginnings to the international stage sits at the very heart of MCMF. What began with early Suzuki training in his hometown has led to a career performing across Europe and Australia with ensembles including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, and now as Associate Concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. A prize-winning violinist and founding member of the Lyrebird Trio, Glenn has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician at major festivals and concert halls.

Despite a global career, Mackay has always remained central to Glenn’s artistic identity. In 2018, he returned home to establish the Mackay Chamber Music Festival—bringing world-class musicians back to the community where his musical life began.

🔥 From Mackay to the world—and back again.
A festival built on the belief that regional audiences deserve the very best music, performed at the highest level, right on their doorstep.

🎟 MCMF is, at its core, a homecoming—curated by someone who started right here in Mackay. Catch Glenn in two of our festival's concerts!

28/05/2026

Join us for Concert 1, an Opening Gala Celebration: “Songs without words” – Lyrebird Trio on Friday 17 July, 2026, 7:00pm at Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

After the performance, we invite you to join the artists in the foyer for a complimentary drink—generously donated by the Conservatorium Friends Mackay Inc —and nibbles, kindly provided by an anonymous benefactor, as we toast the opening of the 2026 Mackay Chamber Music Festival.

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proudly presented by the Hannan Mason Foundation.

Tickets available now - https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/

26/05/2026

🎻 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra

No conductor. No limits.

Camerata brings a bold, high-energy edge to MCMF 2026—an orchestra where every player leads, listens, and shapes the music in real time.

Founded in 1987 and now one of Australia’s most exciting ensembles, they’ve built a reputation for fearless, collaborative performance—and in 2026 took home a Queensland Music Award for "Memory in the Distant Hills", composed for the ensemble by their 2025 emerging composer-in-residence, Abigail Lui.

🔥 Electric. Immersive. Unpredictable.
This is chamber orchestra playing at its most alive.

🎟 Don’t miss it. Saturday 18th July, 7pm. Get your tickets now!
Camerata - Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra

23/05/2026

What actually is chamber music? 🎻

It’s music at its most intimate.

No giant stage. No huge arena. Just world-class musicians, performing up close — close enough to catch every breath, every glance, every moment of connection between the artists.

Chamber music was originally written for smaller rooms and gatherings, which means the experience feels personal, immersive and completely different from listening at home.

And the best part?

You don’t need to know anything about classical music to enjoy it.

If you love live experiences that make you feel something — this is for you.
The Mackay Chamber Music Festival brings internationally acclaimed artists right here to Mackay for one unforgettable weekend of music, atmosphere and connection.

✨ Intimate
✨ Powerful
✨ Unexpected
✨ Right here in Mackay

22/05/2026

🎶 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Paul Dean

We’re delighted to welcome Paul Dean to MCMF 2026.

Clarinetist, composer, and Co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Q, Paul is widely regarded as one of Australia’s foremost musicians—known for his artistry across solo performance, chamber music, and creative leadership. He is also Kinnane Professor of Music at the University of Queensland and former Artistic Director of the Australian National Academy of Music.

As Co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Q, Paul has helped shape one of Australia’s most dynamic chamber ensembles, championing bold programming and collaboration at the highest level.

🔥 Elegant. Expressive. Electrifyingly musical.

A performer whose playing combines clarity, warmth, and absolute authority.
At MCMF 2026, Paul Dean features as soloist in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, bringing one of the repertoire’s most beloved works to life with his signature musicality and depth.

🎟 A rare chance to hear this masterpiece performed by one of Australia’s leading clarinetists, up close in Mackay. Hear Paul in two festival concerts - Saturday 18th July 3pm, and Sunday 19th July 4pm

Address

Mackay, QLD
4740

Website

https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/

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